The Letter of Petrus Peregrinus on the Magnet, A.d. 1269

A scientific publication written during the late 13th century. This work discusses the properties of magnets, particularly focusing on the lodestone, and serves as a foundational document in the early field of magnetism. Situated in a time when the scientific exploration of natural phenomena was just beginning to flourish, this text records pioneering observations and experiments related to magnetism. The letter is written as a correspondence addressed to Sigerus de Foucaucourt, wherein Peregrinus describes his experiments with lodestones and outlines their properties in a systematic manner. He famously articulates principles such as the behavior of magnetic poles, their attraction and repulsion, and how a magnetized needle can be used to determine direction. The work is divided into two main sections: the first focuses on the characteristics of lodestones and magnetic fields, while the second presents an ambitious exploration of constructing a perpetual motion device using magnetic principles. Overall, Peregrinus stands out as an influential figure in the history of physics, merging theoretical inquiry with practical experimentation.